On this date in 2003, the ground-war in Iraq began in the wee hours of the morning. I crossed the border as a team leader with 2nd Sqd, 1st Plt, B Co, 11th EN BN, TF 2-7INF, 1st BDE, 3ID on the initial invasion. I was the second Engineer from my company to cross the border (my driver crossed the border just before me). I was the TC in my M113 (call sign Bulldog 1-2 Alpha) and the .50cal gunner. I didn't know it at the time, but I would cross that border 3 more times before it was all said and done. It seems like ages ago and yet it seems like yesterday

I'm posting this because this event set in motion the events that changed my life forever, and it is therapeutic to me to post about it.

I'm cross-posting on the General, Politics and Military boards.

I know that it sounds trite these days, but from one combat vet to another, thank you for your service. Those of us who have actually faced combat have had experiences that are no one else can truly understand or comprehend. Notwithstanding that our experiences are separated by a generation; we share a common bond. I salute you.